Page 217 - Thousands of the people of Satsuma have since visited this grave and there offered up their prayers ; and, in the popular belief, the spirit of their once great general has taken up its abode in the planet Mars and his figure may there be seen, when this star is in the ascendant. The spirits of his followers have not, according to this same popular belief, soared so high ; for the people say...

Page 261 - A great mistake has been made in endeavouring to lower the samurai to the level of the common people. Encouragement should have been given to the latter to raise themselves to the level of the samurai. Instead of this the government has acted in a directly contrary manner. Great consideration should be given to this question. The samurai have always taken part in the administration of affairs of their various han since the commencement of feudal times ; their minds have thus been familiarized with...

Page 57 - After the restoration of 1868, it refused, however, to acknowledge the Mikado as emperor of Japan, or to have any official relations with his government, which it held to be in league with the Western barbarians. It treated with contumely the Mikado's envoys who were sent to re-establish direct intercourse between the two countries, and reduced the small Japanese community at Sorio to the position formerly held by the Dutch at Decima.

Page 263 - ... government. To this end a representative assembly should be established, so that the government may become constitutional in form. The people would then become more interested and zealous in looking after the affairs of the country ; public opinion will find expression, and despotism and confusion cease.

Page 263 - Nothing could more tend to the wellbeing of tlie country than for Your Majesty to put an end to all despotic and oppressive measures, and to consult public opinion in the conduct of the government. To this end a representative assembly should be established, so that the government may become constitutional in form.

Page 29 - Yon have been the strongest upholder of my cause, and you have for years been zealonsly endeavoring to secure my restoration. Owing to your skill as military commander, in obtaining possession of Yedo Castle, in gaining the victories of Echigo, and by your diligence in all affairs connected with my service, you have gained for me the peace I to-day enjoy. I honor your actions, and, as a reward therefor, decree to you an income of two thousand koku of rice per year.